Terrorists have reportedly killed at the very least 20 individuals in a number of communities in Niger State and dozens extra in Kebbi State, in a wave of assaults that has pressured residents to flee their houses.
In accordance with Reuters, the assault in Niger occurred in Shiroro LGA, the place residents mentioned the assailants operated for hours, destroying houses and overwhelming safety personnel.
Many villagers fled to close by cities together with Gwada, Zumba, and Galadima Kogo searching for security.
Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that gunmen invaded Bagna and Erena villages on Tuesday. He mentioned two neighborhood guards and a driver have been killed, whereas others sustained accidents.
In Kebbi, suspected bandits carried out related assaults, killing dozens of residents and setting homes ablaze throughout a number of communities.
A cleric advised TheCable that the violence occurred in Debbe and Shabanda, in addition to neighbouring communities.
Bashir Usman, spokesperson of the Kebbi State Police Command, confirmed the assaults however mentioned casualty figures have been but to be verified.
“At about 2230hrs, suspected Mamudawa terrorist parts attacked the villages, leading to lack of lives and destruction of property,” Usman mentioned.
“Police tactical groups from Illo Division swiftly responded, intercepted the attackers, neutralised two of them, and recovered a Niger Republic Military uniform in addition to Immigration uniforms.
“Whereas experiences are nonetheless being verified, the command can not presently affirm the casualty figures being circulated. Nonetheless, we deeply sympathise with the affected communities.”
Usman added that extra safety personnel have been deployed to stop additional assaults.
“Safety personnel have been bolstered and are actively on floor to forestall additional assaults,” he mentioned.
“Members of the general public are urged to stay calm as extra particulars will likely be communicated sooner or later.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Times Nigeria